7 comments to Senate appropriations hearing postponed

This is sad. Regrettably, for those unwise to the real purposes of the government, healthcare takes priority over a program that has provided true innovation and maintained the USA lead in the world regarding innovation.

I have been an avid space program advocate since I was very young. I hope someone in this country steps forward and reminds the elected officials why space is important and its trickle-down positive effects throughout our education, economy, and future.

This had nothing to do with space. The Republicans threw an organized tantrum. They stopped every hearing on every topic using anonymous objections, so none of them would have to take personal responsibility. The Senate votes did not cause this. This demonstrates an old joke – Q: What’s the difference between Congress and a kindergarten? A: A kindergarten has adult supervision.

Senate rules were designed for an era of courtesy and mature restraint. If the Republicans keep acting this way, maybe the Democrats will get pissed enough to start changing the rules to a set more appropriate for badly behaved children.

My point was not to politicize either side regarding rules, use of rules, etc. My point was that space exploration provides amazing technological advancement to the USA. The overall tenor of the elected, on both sides, seems to have forgotten this. If we, the USA, truly want to maintain our technological advantage and help the entire world advance overall, space exploration should be continued. Lastly, I would place this as a higher priority for the government to fund than healthcare because the cost of healthcare can be borne by charity and family if we do not rely on government. Whereas, the cost of developing NEW technologies to explore space is very prohibitive for civilian industries notwithstanding their interest with slight modification and advancement of existing technologies.

“… the cost of healthcare can be borne by charity and family if we do not rely on government.”

I think you are being overly optimistic here, Gary. Do you have any idea about the health care costs when you have a serious illness? You’ve got to have a very rich family. A good health insurance is much better.